Jnanpith Award

The Jnanpith Award is India's most respected literary honour. It is presented by the Jnanpith Trust, which is largely owned by the Jain family, publishers of The Times of India. The award carries a cheque for Rs. 500,000, a citation plaque and a bronze replica of Vagdevi. The award was instituted in 1961. Its first recipient was Malayalam writer G Shankara Kurup in 1965. An Indian citizen who writes in any of the official languages of India is eligible for the honour.

Related Topics:
The Times of India - Rs. - Bronze - Vagdevi - 1961 - 1965 - Languages of India

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Before 1982, the awards were given for a single work by a writer. From 1982, the award has been given for a lifetime contribution to Indian literature. So far Kannada writers have won 7 awards, which is the highest for any language. Hindi writers have won 6.

Related Topics:
1982 - Kannada - Hindi

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Its name is taken from Sanskrit jn?na-p??ha = "knowledge-seat".(note that correct pronounciation of "Jnan" is Gyan. "Jnan" is the anglicisation favoured in south India, "gyan"

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is used in north India).

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